June 24, 2026

Class of 2030 In-processing Day begins 47-month journey

Basic cadets walk across the Terrazzo on In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 24, 2026. The red baseball caps worn by members of the Class of 2030 designate their class color, and for many, it is their first time wearing an Air Force uniform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene) By Tali Burress U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - More than 1,130 Class of 2030 appointees took the first step in their journey toward becoming Air Force and Space Force officers during In-processing Day June 24, 2026, at the...

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June 23, 2026

Securing the Best and Brightest: A Banner Year for USAFA Admissions

Bryson Chestnut and Kalise Chestnut pose for a photo after receiving appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy during an event at the Academy, Colo., April 12, 2026. The high school students are among the next generation of cadets selected to join the Academy and begin the journey toward becoming Air Force and Space Force officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2d Lt Isabella Salas) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - With the Class of 2026 graduated and heading to their first assignments as newly commissioned officers, the U.S. Air Force Academy is rapidly...

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June 18, 2026

Special Warfare Orientation Course Prepares Future Officers

Cadets ruck march during a Special Warfare Orientation Course (SWOC) physical training session at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 12, 2026. SWOC is a two-week course that introduces Academy and ROTC cadets to the skill set of Air Force Special Warfare operators such as leadership, teamwork and communication under pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The Special Warfare Orientation Course (SWOC) at the U.S. Air Force Academy immersed cadets in two weeks of physically and mentally demanding training June...

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June 18, 2026

Academy updates Core Values Ramp to reflect role as the Department of the Air Force’s service academy

Basic Cadets from the Class of 2023 walk up the Core Values Ramp toward the Cadet Area during In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, June 27, 2019. The appointees will complete six weeks of Basic Cadet Training before joining the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Darcie L. Ibidapo) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - As a primary commissioning source for two military branches, the U.S. Air Force Academy is updating its installation to physically reflect support and representation for both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. The...

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June 15, 2026

From enlisted Airman to Academy appointee, Outstanding Airman keeps moving forward

Then-Cadet Candidate Roman Bereguta stands in formation during the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 18, 2026. Bereguta, one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2025, completed the Prep School after earning his nomination through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Johnathan Suni) By MSgt Nicholas Filip U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - It had been a while since then-Airman 1st Class Roman Bereguta, a financial technician from Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, had...

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June 8, 2026

Academy Coach Taylor Lorbiecki Takes to the Skies to Better Prepare Future Aviators

Taylor Lorbiecki sits in the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon before taking off for an orientation flight over Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 27, 2026. The flight honored Lorbiecki, the Academy’s Academic Year 2025-2026 Civilian Instructor of the Year, whose work supports cadets across the Academy. Lorbiecki led the development of the Academy's Rated Physical Readiness capstone course to build the mental, physical, nutritional, and recovery capabilities required for rated assignments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tiana Williams) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Taylor Lorbiecki, a U.S. Air Force...

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June 8, 2026

Academy Welcomes New 306th FTG Commander

Col. Nancy E. Taylor and Col. Paul J. Brehm share a moment during the 306th Flying Training Group change of command ceremony at Davis Airfield, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 3, 2026. During the 306th Flying Training Group change of command, Brehm assumed responsibility for leading the Academy's cadet airmanship programs and flying training operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Col. Paul J. Brehm assumed command of the 306th Flying Training Group from Col. Nancy E. Taylor during a change of command ceremony at Davis...

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June 3, 2026

Class of 2026 stats: Graduation by the numbers

U.S. Air Force Academy graduates toss their hats skyward at Falcon Stadium after commissioning as second lieutenants during the Academy's commencement ceremony May 28, 2026. Class of 2026 stats show that 809 graduates entered the Air Force and 93 entered the Space Force, beginning their service as the nation's newest military officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - More than 900 cadets graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy during a May 28 ceremony at Falcon Stadium. The Class of 2026 included 809 graduates...

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May 28, 2026

Vice President Vance congratulates Class of 2026

The U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 graduates toss their hats skyward as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds roar overhead at Falcon Stadium during the 2026 graduation ceremony at the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. The Academy generates combat power by developing premier leaders prepared to lead and adapt in complex, contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) By SSgt Colin Hollowell U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Vice President JD Vance addressed more than 900 graduating cadets during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2026 commencement ceremony at Falcon...

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May 19, 2026

Vice President JD Vance named commencement speaker for U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 graduation

Official portrait of Vice President JD Vance. (photo courtesy of The White House) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy is honored to announce that Vice President JD Vance will serve as the speaker for the Academy's commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Falcon Stadium. Vice President Vance was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025. He previously served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio and is a Marine Corps veteran who served on active duty from 2003 to 2007. The Class of 2026 graduation marks the Academy's...

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